The pros and the celebs opened in their costumes for their first dance together to promote “Halloween Week” on Week 7 of Dancing With The Stars! Leah filled in again for Erin. We were reminded that the second dance would be a competition between two evenly numbered teams and that Derek had yet to lose a team dance. At some point, Tom mentioned the DWTS Live—Dance All Night Tour, which will run from December 15 through February 14. I checked out that tour online; in a few cities they’ll do both a matinee and an evening show—for age 19 and up, which seems to validate Val’s hint that the costumes are, shall we say, interesting.

Nick Carter: Arg. Tango. Judges’ scores 8. My score 8.

He did a good, basic dance, mostly correct. I think he was in his head too much, though, thinking about what to do next. The dance had too much spinning of Sharna in lifts, no sharp kicks, and not the level of drama that we expect in a tango. His bum was out a bit at times, too. He’s a really nice guy who works very hard. Too bad this week wasn’t as good as last week.

The paso is always exciting, especially when performed to Spanish music, as this one was. Alexa brought large, long, open movements; graceful hands; sharp and correct posture and movements. I liked it a lot.

Tamar Braxton: Foxtrot. Judges’ scores 8. My score 8.5.

Tamar revealed in the package her opinion that she’s the best dancer out there. She is really good and one of the most consistent, but speaking of herself in that way probably set her up for closer scrutiny by many who watched. She showed large, open movements; good lines, arms/hands, foot placement, and musicality. Good job!

Dramatic! Great holds, lifts and turns; sharp flicks. All proper and in sync. Bindi was all in!

Alek Skarlatos: Viennese Waltz. Judges’ score 9-8-8. My score 8.5.

Alek was a strong leading man, in character: dramatic, passionate, good holds/posture/lines/footwork. Great focus and improvement. What I didn’t like were several seconds of the package/practice footage that included Alek adjusting his private parts in front; the editor should have deleted those several seconds of film that were inappropriate, esp. for children.

Carlos PeneVega: Paso Doble. Judges’ scores 9-10-9. My score 9.

A perfect, powerful tune for the paso. Good, graceful, steady turns by Carlos. Passionate, strong, in character. A proper paso. I think he could have opened up his chest a bit more, though, and brought his chin up a tad.

Bindi, Alexa, Carlos, Alek: Alek did great spinning of Lindsay over his head–focused and steady. Alexa’s timing was off a tad early on when only the girls were dancing, which stood out to me. They did very well, but it didn’t grab me as much as the first dance did.

In short, Derek finally lost his first team dance, but not by much.

WHO WAS ELIMINATED TONIGHT? Shocker! Hayes Grier! I didn’t care for him right out of the gate, nor for the first few dances that Emma choreographed for him, but he ended up winning me over with a strong work ethic, a good attitude, respect for Lindsay, and skill as a dancer.

Writing has been an important talent and part of my life since I was a child.Professionally, after decades of employment for others, I founded Writestyle in 1996 to provide writing, editing, proofreading, training, and more to clients worldwide (www.writestyle.com).Clients often call my work “magic.”I have written and/or edited for “Coexistence Magazine” (national), for “Ohio Magazine,” and for various newspapers.In addition, I have edited or contributed to the writing of numerous books.Personally, I have written in various genres.I have always composed poetry; as such, I have won awards and publication for some of my poems, and I am compiling a book of my poetry.One of my children’s books is set for publication.With my second husband, family and friends in Ohio, I enjoy music and dance, aid charitable causes, and strive for beauty and harmony in life.

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About Me

Professionally, after decades of employment for others, Vickie Weaver founded Writestyle in 1996 to provide writing, editing, proofreading, training, and more to clients worldwide. She has written and/or edited for “Coexistence Magazine” (national), “Ohio Magazine,” and various newspapers. In addition, she has edited or contributed to the writing of numerous books. Personally, she has won awards and publication for some of her poems and is compiling a book of her poetry. She enjoys music and dance, and strives for beauty and harmony in life.